Wednesday, March 28, 2012

The Sharker Games: Catching Fire

Bernadina is The Shark on Fire! Roger has been playing like he was reaped from an outlying district, paraded around in a flaming uniform, and then forced to destroy anyone who gets in his way. (for those of you don't get these references, go see The Hunger Games...or better yet, read it.)

Bernadina's now hit in 7 of his last 10 at bats after his 2 for 4 day, and he's 10 for 30 with a double and two home runs over his last 10 games, leaving the 27-year-old outfielder with a .298/.400/.447 line in Grapefruit League action

After a mid-spring lull, Bernadina has caught fire (Adam must LOVE The Hunger Games!). In his past two games, Bernadina has gone 5 for 6 with two homers and a walk. He credited his work with hitting coach Rick Eckstein, focusing on keeping his body moving toward the pitcher, not bailing out before finishing his swing.

Bernadina has also impressed lately in the outfield and on the bases. During today's game against the Astros, he went hard into second base to break up a double play and allow a run to cross the plate. Actually, he and his teammates thought he beat the throw and should have been ruled safe.

"He started the spring really swinging well, then he got into a little of a funk. Now he's coming back and attacking the ball," manager Davey Johnson said. "With his speed, you look at him as the kind of guy who can bunt, hit a few little soft liners in there, but he's got tremendous power. He's a big, strong guy. And he hasn't had a whole lot of baseball background, so he's still really just learning about himself.

Asked if he was worried about making the team, Bernadina said, "Nah, I don't worry about that. I want to get in a groove to help the ballclub somehow -- get on base. Whatever it is, I'll see what happens. I don't worry about that right now."